When does gaming become a problem for teens?

Gaming can be a harmless pastime for many teenagers, but it may become problematic when it starts to interfere with daily life and well-being. Dr. Norfaezah Khalid, a senior lecturer in Universiti Malaya’s department of educational psychology and counselling, explains that video games and other digital content can impact behaviour, particularly when young people repeatedly expose themselves to violent material without guidance.

However, she stresses that gaming alone should not be blamed for aggressive or criminal behaviour, as it usually results from a combination of psychological, social, and environmental factors.

The World Health Organization defines gaming disorder as having impaired control over gaming, prioritizing it over other activities, and continuing despite negative consequences. Warning signs for parents may include difficulty stopping gaming, extreme anger when access is restricted, disrupted sleep, and withdrawal from social or recreational activities away from screens.

Adolescents dealing with loneliness, stress, anxiety, depression, or family conflict may use gaming as an escape, seeking immediate rewards like a sense of achievement, entertainment, social acceptance, and a temporary break from real-world issues.

Online gaming spaces can significantly influence teenagers, as they interact not only with the game but also with the community surrounding it. They may absorb the norms of online communities, including aggressive language, humiliation, or provocation, which can be normalized through repeated exposure. Peer pressure to fit in can make this influence stronger, even if it contradicts their own values.

A supportive family environment is crucial in helping teenagers develop healthier gaming habits. Parents should pay attention to broader behavioural changes rather than solely focusing on the number of hours spent gaming. Dr. Puteri Azlian Megat Ramli, a senior lecturer at International Islamic University Malaysia, advises parents to look for extreme anger, hateful or revenge-driven posts online, and emotional detachment from others, especially when these changes occur alongside other behavioural shifts.

Both experts emphasize the importance of parental involvement, which goes beyond simply confiscating devices or imposing bans. Instead, parents should take an interest in their children's gaming activities, join them occasionally, and stay informed about the content, people they interact with, and why certain games matter to their children.

Open communication is also vital, as it allows teenagers to discuss stress, anger, or school problems before those feelings are directed towards online spaces.

Parents can still set boundaries, such as gadget-free periods and limits around bedtime, while ensuring that games are suitable for their child's maturity level. Rather than solely relying on age ratings, parents should consider the broader context of their child's life. The most important takeaway is that most young people who enjoy video games will not become violent because of them.

Rather, family relationships, peer groups, emotional well-being, personality, and the wider social environment all play a role, making sudden behavioural changes more significant indicators of potential problems than gaming alone. Schools can support by enhancing emotional support, digital literacy, and safe channels for reporting bullying, while parents should encourage critical thinking about online content and experiences.